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Calgary mother of disabled woman now charged with criminal negligence causing death

Calgary police investigate at a home on Woodridge Close SW in Calgary, Alta on Wednesday April 27, 2016. Police were called around 3 a.m. to the home to respond to reports of a woman in medical distress. Officers found Melissa Couture, 38, of Calgary, unresponsive in the home and pronounced her dead.
The death was later deemed suspicious and the homicide unit was notified.
An autopsy is underway to determine the manner of Couture's death. Her mother, Patricia Couture, 68, of Calgary, is charged. Jim Wells//Postmedia

The city mom charged in the death of her disabled adult daughter is now facing a more serious charge.

Defence lawyer Andre Ouellette appeared in provincial court Tuesday on behalf of Patricia Couture, where he was informed a new allegation of criminal negligence causing death has been laid against his client.

Couture had been facing a charge of failing to provide the necessaries of life in connection with the death of her daughter, Melissa, 38, who was found deceased in their home on April 26.

The original charge carried a maximum punishment of five years in prison, but the new allegation can draw a penalty of up to life behind bars.